The role of women during the American Revolution was not as it is today, but women did play a significant role. This article explains the responsibilities women took on when their husbands went to war, how women were able to follow their husbands to war, and the active positions in the war that were taken on. Specific examples of women's heroic efforts are provided and you will find information on Women's History Month and its significance. http://www.nps.gov
This collection of primary sources represents the roles women played during the American Revolution and the Civil War. You will find an image published in a book, a description of how women felt about their roles during the American Revolution, a pledge taken by a woman during the Civil War, and an image of a woman on horseback. An image of a woman at the bedside of a soldier is included as well. Each image or document is accompanied by some background information on the time period and women's roles and a description of the primary source. http://www.americanantiquarian.org
The history of women in the military includes women who officially and unofficially participated in the American Revolution. This memorial offers you examples of women who fought and spied and also cooked and cared for soldiers. It explains how these women set a precedent for women during the Civil War and the Spanish American War. Information is provided on George Washington's actions regarding women's involvement in the war along with examples of the assistance these women offered. http://www.womensmemorial.org
Find out how women helped fight the American Revolution. They didn't all use weapons like a musket or arrows. Some contributed flags, patriotic poems and songs, shirts, and meals to help. Abigail Adams had a say in the Declaration of Independence. Catherine Moore Barry helped to round up Patriots and lay a trap for General Cornwallis. Two women took over firing the cannon when their husbands were hit. Hannah Arnett showed up at a meeting even though she wasn't invited, and convinced the men to keep fighting. http://score.rims.k12.ca.us
Women played important roles on both sides of the conflict during the American Revolution. This report describes the traditional roles of women during the war and offers examples of women who were active participants in the in the war and even in battles. Information on the women who were nurses, doctors, and administrators is provided along with information on the women who disguised themselves to become active in the war. In addition to this information on women in the American Revolution you will also find some information on women during World War I. http://www.army.mil
Learn what it was like to live during the American Revolution from the women who were there. This collection of primary sources offers you a unique perspective of war and the roles of women. You will find first person accounts written by women that represent the Patriot, Loyalist, and Native American civilian experience. Each of the accounts is described on the opening page and can be viewed in its entirety by clicking on the author's name. You will also find documents written by women that include a poem, journal selections, narrative selections, letter selections, and even a broadside appeal. http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org
During the Revolutionary War women were still thought to be inferior to men and did not have the same rights. This article explains how the American Revolution led to the awareness of women's issues of equality and provides you with examples of women who were calling these issues to the public's attention. You will also learn about an influential essay that was written by a woman during this time period, the term Republican motherhood, and a new type of book that was written just for women. http://www.ushistory.org
Throughout American history, espionage has played a major role in making America an international power. An online exhibition of the National Women's History Museum examines the role of women spies in American history. This particular area of the exhibition discusses women spies in the American Revolution. The use of women's skills is examined and you will discover why most people were unsuspecting of women spies. Profiles of the known women spies are presented on multiple pages and you will find many related primary sources. http://www.nwhm.org
Read the first-hand account of a woman who followed her husband to war during the American Revolution. You will find some background information on this time period and Sarah Osborn's life that introduce you to her story. She provides you with a detailed description of her encounter with General Washington, her work as a washerwoman and a cook, and the surrender of the British at Yorktown. As you will discover in the introduction, Sarah Osborn's story was told when she was eight-one years old. http://historymatters.gmu.edu
The ideas and agenda of the American Revolution lasted long after the war ended. It called into question long-established ideas about authority, social class, and government. It led the way to new freedoms and self-government. In a strange paradox, African-American slavery and campaigns against Native Americans increased during this time. Examine the ideological debates that surrounded the creation of the Constitution. Even as government structure was shaped, debate continued as to the extent of the government's power. Even today, debates remain over the meaning of the Constitution. http://historywired.si.edu
The Revolutionary War was a multi-cultural war fought by men from different walks of life. Some grew up in the colonies; others had emigrated from other countries. Some came from wealthy families; others came from poor families. Many were free men, while others were slaves, and they believed in different religions. African Americans and Native Americans fought on both sides of the American Revolution. Native Americans who knew the lay of the land scouted for both armies. Use the links to learn more about Valley Forge. http://www.cr.nps.gov
This web site outlines the history of African American loyalists. Learn about their role in the American Revolution and about many of the units formed to fight for the British. Read about some of the military tasks these soldiers took on. Find out what happened to the Black Loyalists once the war was over. http://www.americanrevolution.org
Throughout American history, espionage has played a major role in making America an international power. An online exhibition of the National Women's History Museum examines the role of women spies in American history. This particular area of the exhibition discusses women spies in the American Revolution. The use of women's skills is examined and you will discover why most people were unsuspecting of women spies. Profiles of the known women spies are presented on multiple pages and you will find many related primary sources. http://www.nwhm.org
Long before the Cold War, there were American spies. During the American Revolution, Tories or Loyalists often spied for the British, while some British helped the colonists. A secretary for the diplomatic delegation to France was a spy for the British, while Benjamin Franklin's son also spied on his father for the British. Benjamin Franklin was part of the Committee of Secret Correspondence, an early intelligence agency in the days before the CIA. Spies during the American Revolution used invisible ink, blind drops, or secret codes with a codebook. http://www.pbs.org
Benjamin Church and Benjamin Thompson were British spies during the American Revolution. After Paul Revere made his famous ride to Lexington and Concord, he was captured and interrogated before being released to walk home without his horse. Benjamin Talmadge organized a spy network that became known as the Culper Gang. Find out how they passed information. Only a few members had the codebook to decipher the messages. Investigate Benedict Arnold's work as a British spy. Women were also spies, because they were less likely to be suspected, imprisoned, or executed. http://www.clements.umich.edu
Washington's Spies, by Alexander Rose, is a tale of espionage and spy networks during the American Revolution. Rose is fascinated with what happened to infamous people after the event for which they are best know, like Benedict Arnold. Arnold was a defector during the American Revolution. The Culper Ring is one of the rare spy rings that is fully documented, something very unusual for spies. The letters to and from Washington were kept in the Library of Congress. Find out how Washington's spy ring worked. http://c-spanvideo.org
In 1778, the Culper Spy Ring was established by Benjamin Tallmadge to provide intelligence to General Washington during the American Revolution. The British never figured out that Samuel Culper was actually Robert Townsend, who sent intelligence letters to Washington. Only in the 20th century did a graphologist compare their handwriting. Stony Brook University has some letters written by Washington to his spies during the Revolutionary War. Learn about Washington's ingenious plan to outsmart the British. http://guides.library.stonybrook.edu
An American spy network during the War of Independence, the Culper Spy Ring tracked the movements of British troops around New York City. General Washington only knew the spies by their code names. Major Benjamin Tallmadge, who had recruited the spies, knew their true identities. Hundreds of numbers were used as codes for people and places, and messages were often written in invisible ink. Robert Townsend pretended to be a Loyalist merchant, and messages were passed through his shop. The documents were hidden in goods to be transported through British territory. The Culper Spy Ring also caught a British spy. http://www.mountvernon.org
A slave named James Armistead got permission to join the revolutionaries. Posing as an escaped slave, he worked in Benedict Arnold's camp to gather intelligence. A double agent, he travelled back and forth to Cornwallis' camp. The British got inaccurate information from this spy, but Washington and Lafayette knew than 10,000 British soldiers were heading toward Yorktown because of Armistead. His information allowed the French and American to plan a blockade and siege. It wasn't until 1787 that he got his freedom. http://www.time.com
A doctor who befriended Benjamin Franklin in London, Edward Bancroft became an American spy during the American Revolution. In reality, he was a double agent and also spying for the British. He reported British movements to commissioners in France, and American movements to the British. Bancroft was also an author, writing about Guiana's flora and fauna and also the colonies' viewpoint in the war. Only in 1891, more than a century later, was his identity as a double agent revealed. http://www.factmonster.com
The British had plenty of spies who were loyalists or bribed with money to spy during the American Revolution, but the Americans depended more on sympathetic civilians. However, the American revolutionaries did have a few early spy organizations. The Secret Committee obtained supplies and information at home, while the Committee of Correspondence was for foreign intelligence. The Committee on Spies investigated counterintelligence. Discover the intelligence roles of some of America's Founding Fathers. Franklin's interactions with France were watched by French, British, and American spies. http://www.history.org
Historian Alexander Rose compares today's intelligence budget of $50 billion with the $0 budget in 1775. Spies in those days were not trained professionals, and a spy agency didn't yet exist. Discover reasons why America didn't have spies even though they existed in Europe. During the War of Independence, intelligence strategies and operations had to be invented. Washington discouraged speculation and escapades, and wanted just the facts. Clergy and merchants were early spies, but soon Washington replaced them with soldier spies. Later, he realized that civilians could get passes more easily. Spy missions got longer over time. http://www.nypl.org
Kate Fowler was a Tory spy during the Revolutionary War. A skilled horsewoman who managed her father's farm, she sold vegetables and eggs to both sides in 1781. Having fallen in love with a Tory, she feared he might die in a siege and volunteered to get a message past the gate. She rode her horse calmly into the Patriot camp, selling produce before racing to the fort with a secret message that reinforcements were on their way. http://www.teachingushistory.org
Did you know that George Washington recruited spies, and that one of Benjamin Franklin's many jobs was being a spy? Washington understood that good military intelligence was necessary to defeat a better-equipped army, and trained his people in techniques and cover stories. Learn about the Committee of Secret Correspondence, America's earliest foreign intelligence service. Franklin secretly obtained military supplies from secret allies, produced propaganda, and discovered some British agents. Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy and was captured and executed. James Armistead pretended to be an escaped slave and a double agent. https://www.cia.gov
The British tried to take over Lydia Darragh's house for their officers to stay there, but she said she had nowhere to go with her children. She asked permission to stay, but the British still used her house for meetings. During one meeting of top officers, she hid in a linen closet to listen in. She pretended she was sleeping when their meeting was over, and requested a pass the next day to go buy flour at a mill to pass on what she had learned. The British spymaster questioned her after the Americans were prepared for the attack. http://www.ushistory.org
Nathan Hale's patriotism is legendary, and the story of his courageousness in the face of death is an integral piece of America's history. At Eyewitness, you can read an account of Mr. Hale's hanging at the hands of the British by Captain William Hull, who was present when a sympathetic British officer reported the event to General Washington's headquarters. Captain Hull recounts the officer's description of Mr. Hale's activities during his last hours, and the dignity and bravery with which he conducted himself. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
New York City Fire The Night the Yankees Burned Broadway: The New York City Fire of 1776 Read an excerpt from "The Night the Yankees Burned Broadway: The New York City Fire of 1776," which details the eventsleading up to the devastating fire that occurred on the night of Sept. 21, 1776.
Use Americapedia at the Bill of Rights Institute web site to understand the Amendments to the United States Constitution. This entry explains the meaning of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which was added in 1791. As you read the text, click on the underlined words for a more detailed explanation. You will learn that the 8th Amendment prohibits excessive fines and bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishments. Find out about treatment of prisoners before the amendment and read about a landmark Supreme Court Case concerning the Eighth Amendment. http://billofrightsinstitute.org
Farm work provided the central focus of daily life for 90% of New England Colonists. Daily chores included caring for livestock, preparing food, cleaning, sewing, and tending crops. Chores were separated between men and women. Men were responsible for planting, harvesting, building, and butchering. Women tended gardens, preserved food, and did spinning and weaving. Although most could neither read nor write, some owned sufficient land and livestock to live in economic comfort, while others served as laborers or slaves. http://www.pbs.org
Would you have survived in colonial times? Idle behavior was considered a waste of time, so free time from chores was used for useful hobbies or community events. No fast food or shopping malls; people had to grow, cook, and make what they ate and wore. Authority, rank, and religion created the social order of the time. Take a look at typical colonial houses with interactive, panoramic views. Dress a colonist in their limited wardrobe in an interactive activity. Watch videos that allow Native Americans, women, men, indentured servants, and laborers to share their different perspectives of colonial times. http://www.pbs.org
This tutorial takes you back to the Colonial period of Virginia's history. There are electronic field trips to explore the area. You can also learn by browsing thru the three main heading which include meeting the people, seeing the places and colonial life. The numerous sub links in these categories have areas such as biographies of real people, historic buildings such as the governor's place and a slaves' quarters and types of food, religion and manners. A dateline is also available. There are also links to Williamsburg's garden's libraries, museums, archeology and more. http://www.history.org
Early colonists had to grow or hunt their own food and make their own homes and clothes. Skilled craftsmen could be found in towns and cities to make furniture and tools. Groups of people from different countries had experience with making bricks, barrels, leather, guns, and tiles. Tradesmen made nails, wheels, pewter, books, bricks, breeches, and saddles. They worked as coopers, founders, glaziers, hatters, and tanners. Some colonists, especially on southern plantations, bought these things from English traders. Apprentices started learning a trade by the age of ten. http://score.rims.k12.ca.us
Compare family life and education in Colonial times to that of today. Analyze differences in houses, furniture, heat, bathrooms, and cooking. Find out what children did in the days before television and video games. Discover how men, women, and children spent their days, and what children learned even if they did not go to school. Learn about games and playtime, chores and work, and the importance of religion. Make a comparison chart of foods, toys, clothing, and schoolwork. http://www.yale.edu
Valley Forge was established as a winter quarters by George Washington in 1777. Now a National Historical Park in Pennsylvania, the web site tells the history of the Revolutionary War and the events at Valley Forge. Subjects at the site include Continental Soldiers, officers and gentlemen, riflemen, horsemen and artillery. See how the camp was established and learn about training and discipline. You can browse the image gallery to view artifacts and find out more about them. http://www.nps.gov
From the words of an actual Revolutionary War participant, read Surgeon Albigence Waldo’s diary entries from December 6 through December 22 after General George Washington and the Continental arrived at Valley Forge. Even though he is ill, he still writes expressively and with wit, i.e. when they on occasion do have beef, he says, “my stomach positively refuses to entertain such Company (referring to the beef), and how can I help that?” Some of his entries sound desperate, “Why are we sent here to starve and freeze – smoke and cold – hunger and filthiness – a pox on my bad luck.” http://www.let.rug.nl
When the Continental Army settled in to its winter camp at Valley Forge in 1777-78, one in three men were unfit for duty. Their clothes were not adequate enough to protect them; the cloth tents could not keep them warm, so they began to build primitive log huts. General Washington chose Valley Forge so they could keep an eye on the British-occupied Philadelphia, America’s capital at that time. Washington wanted to build a trained army—one like the British had. He had to be tough because he had only three months to make it happen. See related videos. http://www.schooltube.com
General George Washington’s troops moved to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to their winter camp after the last battle of 1777, the Battle of White Marsh. The exhausted army were poorly clothed, underfed, and battling disease in damp, crowded log huts, which ended up killing one-fourth of them before winter was done. Washington repeatedly requested aid, but they weren’t able to supply them. The greatest help came from the camp followers—the wives, mothers, children, and sisters of the soldiers that knitted stockings, laundered and mended clothes. Learn about two foreign generals that helped change the course of the war. https://www.boundless.com
The Revolutionary War was a multi-cultural war fought by men from different walks of life. Some grew up in the colonies; others had emigrated from other countries. Some came from wealthy families; others came from poor families. Many were free men, while others were slaves, and they believed in different religions. African Americans and Native Americans fought on both sides of the American Revolution. Native Americans who knew the lay of the land scouted for both armies. Use the links to learn more about Valley Forge. http://www.cr.nps.gov
George Washington and the Continental Army had recently lost two battles and the American capital, Philadelphia, to British occupation, but despite harsh conditions and low supplies in the winter of 1777-78, the army continued to train at Valley Forge. One out of four soldiers died from disease and exposure, but the troops trained daily under the direction of Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer. What they learned from him enhanced their maneuverability and fighting skills, which served them well throughout the remainder of the war. http://www.americanhistorycentral.com
The year is 1777, and American Revolution is in its second year. The British have gained control of many parts of the colonies. The rebels are starting to fight back, striking first the Indians guiding the British and then breaking the rules of war by shooting the British officers. The patriot sharpshooters did great damage to the British army by eliminating their leadership, like removing the rudder from a ship. Washington faces his greatest challenge as a leader in the winter at Valley Forge. The troops build 900 huts in 40 days, and survive on flour mixed in water for a while. http://www.schooltube.com
In December 1777, Washington’s army held the British army at bay at White Marsh, and from there moved to their winter encampment at Valley Forge. The mood of the troops varied; the weather was atrocious, and their tents and food supplies hadn’t arrived. Washington could see that the situation was reaching crisis-proportions, but he was determined to not let the army disintegrate. The troops eventually built huts to protect them from the weather. Today, the National Park Service maintains replicas of the huts that were built for the soldiers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org
Only nineteen years old, the Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette served as a Major General in the Continental Army under George Washington, and spent most of the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. He was given command of a division of troops there, and spent his own money to provide muskets and uniforms for his men. He believed in the American cause and especially General Washington, who was like a father-figure to him. Even though his young wife begged him to return to France, his unwavering loyalty to Washington kept him Valley Forge until orders sent him elsewhere. http://www.mountvernon.org
Valley Forge is where General George Washington encamped his Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78. They had lost Philadelphia, the capital at that time in history, and they intended to win it back. Valley Forge was only twenty miles northwest, which was far enough away to keep the British from mounting a surprise attack against them. Disease, rather than cold and starvation, killed more soldiers the anything that winter and spring. But their will was strong, and they used that time to train, and it eventually paid off. http://www.nps.gov
Burgoyne’s surrender scared King George so much that he told the Americans he would let them send members to Parliament if they would quit fighting and promise to obey him. The colonists might’ve accepted it if the offer had come earlier, but they had suffered too much to give up now. Washington’s troops were wintering at Valley Forge with very little supplies and protection from the elements. Washington implored his wife to get all of her friends to knit stockings for the men. http://www.heritage-history.com
Valley Forge was chosen by Washington alone as the Continental Army’s winter headquarters because there was no consensus from among his generals on the best location. After a miserable 13-mile march, the starving troops finally made it to Valley Forge. The British had raided the cache of supplies before they arrived, so their meal on Christmas day was “fire cakes (flour and water fried on a griddle) and cold water.” The men set about building 16’x14’ by 6 ½’ high log huts for 12 men to live in, and they were damp, smoky, drafty, and very unhealthy environments. http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org
The winter of 1777, Dr. Albigence Waldo wrote in his diary about how miserable the Continental Army was at Valley Forge, “Dec 12th – We are ordered to march over the river—it snows—I’m sick—eat nothing—Lord—Lord—Lord.” No battles took place there, but the men who survive become even more committed to their cause. They sacrificed, though, during that winter. Some men actually had no shoes to wear, and their toes would freeze, leaving bloody tracks. When you see a little camera following a sentence, click on it to see a painting related to the story. http://www.pbs.org
The winter of 1777-78 was the most difficult time for the American colonies in the Revolutionary War. The British Redcoats captured and occupied the American capital at Philadelphia, and the Continental Congress scattered and fled to York and reestablished the capital there. Valley Forge was where General Washington led his exhausted army for the winter months. An estimated 2,000 soldiers died of disease and exposure to the elements. Washington fought hard to keep the army together and the morale high, and with the efforts of a Prussian general, the army was trained into a disciplined and unified fighting force. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
British Battles presents information about the Battle of King's Mountain. This battle was an important victory in the Southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War. Along with a drawing of the battle area are these subjects of interest: combatants, generals, size of the armies, uniforms, arms, equipment, winner, account, casualties, follow-up, anecdotes, and traditions. The Battle of King's Mountain located in South Carolina was October 7, 1780. Reference material is available. http://www.britishbattles.com
Colonial Williamsburg The official site of Colonial Williamsburg. Our American Revolution Site sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg includes information on the events leading to the Revolution, the people of the Revolution as well as exhibits portraying everyday life during the time period. Research site from Colonial Williamsburg The Colonial Williamsburg research site. Great place for primary documents of the time period. http://research.history.org/pf/index.cfm Follow the progression on the road to revolution. Timeline of events features links to primary documents of the period.
Investigate whether American independence was inevitable. This look at the Revolutionary War comes from a British perspective. Realize that this war was both a civil war and a world war, with some Americans remaining loyalists and the United States also receiving outside help from France. Discover the connection between the French and Indian War and the War of Independence. Political miscalculations, propaganda, merchants, and the cost of defense all contributed to deteriorating foreign policy and the war between Britain and America. http://www.bbc.co.uk
Britain defeated France in the French and Indian War but was left with an enormous debt. The British Parliament decided the American colonists should be the ones to pay and passed the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts. Colonists reacted violently to these taxes and the Sons of Liberty led the way in resisting these acts while keeping peace in their communities. In the midst of an economic depression, colonists boycotted British goods and the shops that sold them. Learn about the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and other events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
A cartoon of colonists protesting the Intolerable Acts introduces you to this informative source of information. Once you find out what the Intolerable Acts were and why they were developed, you will have the opportunity to learn about each of the acts and view the transcript of each as well. The opening page contains the names of the acts and brief descriptions. You will learn about the Boston Port Act, the Administration of Justice Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act. John Hancock's letter of protest can be accessed as well. http://www.historywiz.com
Learn about the Intolerable Acts and the events surrounding their development in this informative encyclopedia article. You will discover how the acts were developed to limit colonists' freedom, why four of the five were created, and how colonists responded to the Intolerable Acts. The article describes the Boston Port Act, the Administration of Justice Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act and explains how the First Continental Congress resulted from these acts. http://www.factmonster.com
The chain of events leading up to the introduction of the Intolerable Acts is described in order to provide you with some background information and gain an understanding of what was happening the colonies at this time. This description is the introduction to a series of transcripts of the documents that made up the Intolerable Acts. You can read the Boston Port Act, the Administration of Justice Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act. http://www.ushistory.org
The Boston Tea Party Museum provides you with insightful information on the Intolerable Acts. You will discover how the Intolerable Acts were developed in order to extend Parliament's control over the colonies and what these acts did to punish the colonists. Once you are familiar with the cause and purpose of the Intolerable Acts you can read the transcripts of each of the acts as they were written in 1774. The opening page contains the names of the acts and also the dates they were passed, and brief descriptions. http://www.bostonteapartyship.com
One of the historic events leading to the Independence of America was the introduction of the Intolerable Acts. This article explains how the colonists had upset Parliament and what Parliament did in retaliation. It describes the Coersive Acts, otherwise known as the Intolerable Acts and the specific actions that were taken to punish the colonists. An excerpt of a letter from Samuel Adams in included along with details of the Quebec Act. A chart of the Intolerable Acts contains a description of each. http://www.ushistory.org
In 1773, the Boston Tea Party was planned as a protest in opposition to Britain's taxes against the colonists. Britain reacted with the Intolerable Acts, by closing the Boston Harbor and putting more laws into effect. The colonists decided to dispute the Intolerable Acts because it became clear that the British had too much control over the colonies. Here you can read about a meeting between the colonists to discuss the Intolerable acts, and the convention that later became known as the Continental Congress. http://www.usfca.edu
As you learn about the Boston Tea Party you will discover one of the multiple punishments Parliament handed down to the colonists called the Intolerable Acts. This source offers you some background information on the events that were taking place in 1773 and explains how the colonies' leaders responded to the Intolerable Acts. This information introduces you to the document that outlines the Intolerable Acts. You can view the original document in small or large version or you can view the transcript as well. A series of study questions accompany the document. http://www.masshist.org
The First Continental Congress met for almost two months in response to the acts of the British Parliament known to the colonists as the Intolerable Acts. The closing of Boston Harbor was just one of the consequences of the Boston Tea Party and the First Continental Congress worked together to come up with a way for Parliament to address the colonists grievances. This encyclopedia article discusses the Continental Congress' leaders, the coordination of backlash against the Intolerable Acts, the Articles of Association, and Galloway's plan. http://www.americanhistorycentral.com
Visit the Monterey Institute's HippoCampus web site, and you can watch a multimedia presentation by the University of California describing the period in American history from 1763 to 1774. Some iconic events happened during this time, including the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, as well as taxation without representation. This was a season of Acts: the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Declaratory Act, Boston Port Act, Administration of Justice Act, the Quartering Act, and others. Read and analyze two different accounts of the Boston Massacre and judge for yourself which you believe is a better example of propaganda. http://www.montereyinstitute.org
Examine factors that led to the Revolutionary War between the American colonies and Britain. France was no longer a threat in North America, so King George III of England decided to tighten English control. He issued a proclamation forbidding the colonists from crossing the Appalachians. The area beyond was to be left to Native Americans. British debts caused them to look to the colonies for income. The debate over taxes wasn't about taxes being too expensive, but about the British right to levy any taxes. Riots, massacres, and boycotts ensued. http://www.theomahaproject.org
Nathan Hale
Also see some of the sites about Spies of the Revolution.
By an act of the General Assembly of the state of Connecticut, Nathan Hale was named a state national hero on October 1, 1985. Hale was born and lived in Connecticut in the late 1700's. Nathan Hale is mostly known for his service during the Revolutionary War and his execution by the British for being a spy. This short, easy reading article about Nathan Hale's life is presented on this Connecticut state government Web site. http://www.ct.gov
The Library of Congress gives a Tory's account of the arrest of the first American spy, Nathan Hale. A recently obtained document written during or soon after the conflict by a Tory storekeeper during the American Revolution is the basis of this information. Photos are displayed of a statue of Nathan Hale. One of these statues are located on the campus of Yale University. Major Robert Rogers played a key role in the capture of Nathan Hale. http://www.loc.gov
Nathan Hale died at the early age of 21. He is known as America's first spy, and was executed by the British during the Revolutionary war. This page Web page offers a long biography article on the life of Nathan Hale. The article begins with his early life and his career as a teacher. The article also tells the story of his service in the Revolutionary War. The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the Revolution offers this site on the American Patriot, Nathan Hale. http://www.connecticutsar.org
Even if you don't recognize the name Nathan Hale, you probably recognize his famous last words-I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. Mr. Hale purportedly uttered that line right before he was hanged by the British, when he was caught spying during the Revolutionary War. You can find out more about this important event in our country's history at America's Story, presented by the Library of Congress. http://www.americaslibrary.gov
I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. Those were the last words spoken by Nathan Hale before his execution in New York on September 22, 1776. The famous hero's quote is well-known by many Americans. You can read a short story about Nathan Hale's life on this Web site. You will learn about his college years at Yale in Connecticut, his interest in religion and English, his decision to become a teacher, and more. http://www.netstate.com
Nathan Hale's patriotism is legendary, and the story of his courageousness in the face of death is an integral piece of America's history. At Eyewitness, you can read an account of Mr. Hale's hanging at the hands of the British by Captain William Hull, who was present when a sympathetic British officer reported the event to General Washington's headquarters. Captain Hull recounts the officer's description of Mr. Hale's activities during his last hours, and the dignity and bravery with which he conducted himself. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
The opening battles of the American Revolution were the battles of Lexington and Concord. This animated history map allows you to learn all about the battles of Lexington and Concord and the people involved. There are six sections of the animation for you to explore and each section is made up of multiple scenes. When you press play you can watch the animation and jump to any section of your choice. The sections tell you about each battle, Paul Revere's ride, the retreat, and the aftermath. http://www.revolutionarywaranimated.com
As a detective for the H.S.I., Historical Scene Investigation, your job is to examine the evidence found in this case file on the Battle of Lexington and Concord. As you examine the primary documents you need to decide whether or not the evidence is credible and then you need to piece the clues together to find out who fired the first shot at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. You will be given a series of guiding questions to help you come up with your conclusion. http://web.wm.edu
A description of the Battle of Lexington and Concord explains the crucial role of the minutemen. This area of an exhibit on the history of America presents you with this information on the historic battle in order to relay the significance of the postage stamps that you can view. You will find two postage stamps that were created in honor of the minutemen who fought in the battle of Lexington and Concord. Information about the scenes found on each of the stamps is presented as well as facts about the stamps themselves. http://arago.si.edu
Understanding the events surrounding the Battle of Concord and Lexington is made easy with the format of this site. The information is arranged so that the reader can look at headings in order to find various facts. Rather than being written in paragraph form, the events of the Battle of Concord and Lexington have been separated into categories. You can still learn the specifics of the battle, but also read general information that provides overall ideas and summaries of the various events that took place during the battle. http://www.britishbattles.com
Rebellion had happened in the Massachusetts colony and the British Parliament gave soldiers permission to shoot rebels on sight. General Thomas Gage was ordered to arrest the leaders of the rebellion but they escaped. British troops marched on Concord to raid an armory. Paul Revere and William Dawes got there first and warned the colonists. Volunteer soldiers gathered at Lexington to stop the British. The battle continued in Concord and Boston, leaving more than 200 British soldiers and nearly 100 colonists dead as the Revolutionary War began. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
One of the many chapters on the Revolutionary War found in this online textbook includes information on the Battle of Lexington and Concord, where the minutemen faced the British redcoats. This chapter includes descriptions of the battle and quotes from people who witnessed or reported on the details. Throughout the chapter you will find highlighted terms that lead you to corresponding descriptions and relevant primary sources. A declaration from King George is presented as well. http://www.awesomestories.com
This particular resource takes you through the events that led up to the battles in Lexington and Concord rather than explaining the battles themselves. You will learn about the key events and the key figures involved in this historic event and how leaders tried to make sense of what happened. A collection of primary source documents accompanies this information and allows you to examine related broadsides, pamphlets, letters, a journal, a manuscript, and personal diary entries. http://www.masshist.org
The shot heard 'round the world refers to the beginning of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, battle that signaled the beginning of the American Revolution. This source of information tells you what happened after Paul Revere warned the Patriots that the British were coming. A general description of the battle is provided along with illustrations that depict the battle. You can also learn about the aftermath of the battle by opening the link at the bottom of the page. http://www.bostonteapartyship.com
Written by a teacher for his students, this essay explains the reasons Patriot's Day is celebrated as a state holiday in Massachusetts. Find out about the historical events during the colonial period that led to tensions between the New England colonies and the British Parliament. Learn why the port of Boston was closed in 1775, and why the militia system was reactivated. See how Americans knew that British were coming, and read about the battles that followed. This detailed account mentions many of the people important to this time in history. http://www.rjohara.net
Sedition was prevalent in Massachusetts in 1775. Arms and munitions were being gathered and produced, and militias were being trained. General Thomas Gage decided it was time to confiscate weapons and capture the patriot leaders. The patriots prepared a messaging system to alert the militia of advancing troops. Sylvanus Wood, a 23-year-old member of the Lexington militia, responded to the warning. He tells his story of marching in Captain Parker's company in a sworn affidavit. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
The colonists had been gathering arms and preparing for war. The Continental Congress affirmed that they could defend themselves against the British. British General Thomas Gage was cautious but his soldiers were arrogant about their superiority over the colonists. After receiving orders to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, Gage decided to secretly raid a colonial stockpile of weapons in Concord. The colonists found out about their plan and left minutemen to wait for the British. A shot was fired, some minutemen died, and colonists flocked to join the revolution. The British rejected efforts at reconciliation and the war began. http://www.loc.gov
What happened on April 19, 1775? Reenactment photographs accompany the detailed answers to this question about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. After exploring the many events and photographs you can uncover news and events related to these battles as well. You will also find a link to recommended books and web sites for educators as well as additional links to related web sites. There is a great deal of information provided by this group of battle enthusiasts. http://www.battleroad.org
The battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 are said by many to be the beginning of the American Revolution. During the night several revolutionaries, most notably Paul Revere, saved the lives of many by riding their horses through the night and awakening patriots to not only arm themselves for the coming battle but by helping fellow revolutionaries Adams and Hancock escape with their lives and their papers. This midnight ride was only the first of many brave acts of rebellion for Revere and his friends. http://www.americanrevolution.org
Role of women
http://www.nps.gov
http://www.americanantiquarian.org
http://www.womensmemorial.org
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us
http://www.army.mil
http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org
http://www.ushistory.org
http://www.nwhm.org
http://historymatters.gmu.edu
Slaves in the military
http://historywired.si.edu
http://www.cr.nps.gov
http://www.americanrevolution.org
Spies of the Revolution
http://www.nwhm.org
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.clements.umich.edu
http://c-spanvideo.org
http://guides.library.stonybrook.edu
http://www.mountvernon.org
http://www.time.com
http://www.factmonster.com
http://www.history.org
http://www.nypl.org
http://www.teachingushistory.org
https://www.cia.gov
http://www.ushistory.org
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
New York City Fire
The Night the Yankees Burned Broadway: The New York City Fire of 1776
Read an excerpt from "The Night the Yankees Burned Broadway: The New York City Fire of 1776," which details the eventsleading up to the devastating fire that occurred on the night of Sept. 21, 1776.
Eighth Amendment
http://billofrightsinstitute.org
Daily Life in the Colonies
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.history.org
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us
http://www.yale.edu
Valley Forge
http://www.nps.gov
http://www.let.rug.nl
http://www.schooltube.com
https://www.boundless.com
http://www.cr.nps.gov
http://www.americanhistorycentral.com
http://www.schooltube.com
http://www.c-spanvideo.org
http://www.mountvernon.org
http://www.nps.gov
http://www.heritage-history.com
http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
Revolutionary War Weapons
http://www.britishbattles.com
Colonial Williamsburg
The official site of Colonial Williamsburg.
Our American Revolution
Site sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg includes information on the events leading to the Revolution, the people of the Revolution as well as exhibits portraying everyday life during the time period.
Research site from Colonial Williamsburg
The Colonial Williamsburg research site. Great place for primary documents of the time period.
http://research.history.org/pf/index.cfm
Follow the progression on the road to revolution. Timeline of events features links to primary documents of the period.
http://www.bbc.co.uk
Quartering Act
http://www.historywiz.com
http://www.factmonster.com
http://www.ushistory.org
http://www.bostonteapartyship.com
http://www.ushistory.org
http://www.usfca.edu
http://www.masshist.org
http://www.americanhistorycentral.com
http://www.montereyinstitute.org
http://www.theomahaproject.org
Nathan Hale
Also see some of the sites about Spies of the Revolution.
http://www.ct.gov
http://www.loc.gov
http://www.connecticutsar.org
http://www.americaslibrary.gov
http://www.netstate.com
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
http://www.revolutionarywaranimated.com
http://web.wm.edu
http://arago.si.edu
http://www.britishbattles.com
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
http://www.awesomestories.com
http://www.masshist.org
http://www.bostonteapartyship.com
http://www.rjohara.net
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com
http://www.loc.gov
http://www.battleroad.org
http://www.americanrevolution.org